2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Review
The legendary Volkswagen Beetle was resurrected for 1998 but bore little resemblance to the original other than its distinctive styling. Unlike the old Beetle, which featured a rear engine and rear-wheel drive, the New Beetle is based on the front engine and front-wheel-drive Volkswagen A platform — not to mention that the New Beetle has features never dreamed of when the first one was produced. A convertible option was added in 2003. In 2006, it received new bumpers along with other styling changes, and the engine was upgraded to a 2.5-liter, 150-hp five-cylinder engine. The New Beetle won Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year” in 1999.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
Despite its inherent novelty, the Volkswagen New Beetle convertible is an all-around good buy. Delivering solid reliability and safety along with its fun ride and surprisingly spacious interior, the New Beetle Convertible is competitively priced. If you want a fun ride you can count on, the New Beetle Convertible is a safe bet.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The 2007 New Beetle hasn’t been on the road long enough yet for long-term data to be compiled for it. However, the 2004 model received a 5 out of 5 reliability rating from Automotive Information Systems, despite AIS reports that it was prone to occasional water pump failures, which they estimate at about $242 to repair. Owners have reported various electrical issues in all older models, including malfunctioning lights, alarms, and ignitions. All in all, expect the 2007 Beetle to have average to above average reliability. It comes with Volkswagen’s basic four-year/50,000 mile warranty.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The 2007 New Beetle convertible received four out of five stars overall in government frontal crash tests. Side tests were not performed. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the New Beetle its highest “Good” rating for frontal and rear crashes, but its lowest “Poor” rating for side impacts. The Beetle comes loaded with standard safety features including anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. The convertible comes with a rollover protection system. The 2001-02 Beetle was recalled for a malfunctioning brake circuit that could start a fire, and the 2004 Beetle was recalled for possible air bag malfunctions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Tight handling
+ Fun styling
+ Good safety and reliability record
Cons
– Cramped back seat
– Little cargo room
– Poor visibility
Head-To-Head Competition:
Another retro-themed convertible is the MINI Cooper. While the Cooper gets five more miles to the gallon, it lacks traction control, 35 horsepower, and has a smaller engine. Another quirky convertible is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which costs $600 less, but lacks traction control and only has a four-cylinder engine. If you want something a bit more traditional, the 2008 (Chrysler Sebring) convertible costs $3,000 more, but adds an automatic transmission, DVD player, CD changer, and 20 more horsepower. But it also has a four-cylinder and lacks traction control.
What Others Are Saying:
“This little sweetheart’s a first-rate performer. The entire vehicle is very tight; when you hit railway tracks or potholes at speed, there is virtually no shimmying or shaking.” – About.com
“Roly-poly retro shape is built upon the bones of the previous-generation Golf. The only available engine is a five-cylinder that provides adequate power and nothing more. A long dashboard, tight rear quarters, and limited trunk space under the hatch are downsides.” – Car and Driver
“My first impression was of driving a small truck, partly because of the great distance from the generous driver’s position to the base of the windshield. The massively broad dash combines with the slope of the bonnet to make it difficult to see where the front ends.” – The Auto Channel
Read more about the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible at the Volkswagen manufacturer web site.
